In November, they prepared Thanksgiving-themed food baskets for donation, and in December, they placed items such as gloves, hats and scarves under a “giving tree.”

The Community Caring Coordinators, a group of seven fifth-graders who support the guidance office, help organize the school’s fundraisers and charity drives.

Another group of students make up the EarlyAct Club, a schoolwide service club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hamilton Township, which was reinstated this year.

EarlyAct requires schools to organize and participate in three service acts each year within their school, local and global communities.

“It’s such a positive thing to build their character,” said third grade teacher Teri Burke, who is co-chair of the EarlyAct Club.

Students helped out on a global level by participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in October. The loose change they donated amounted to $375.

And while the school already had fulfilled its global service requirement, it raised $2,400 the following month for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The money was used to purchase two ShelterBox tents, which provide warmth and survival essentials for families of up to 10 people.

“We’re very excited that we were able to raise that amount of money in that short amount of time,” Burke said.

Burke learned of ShelterBox from the Hamilton Rotary. Student members of the EarlyAct Club suggested a fundraiser involving shooting basketballs, and a “Turkey Shoot” was arranged to take place around Thanksgiving.

At the kick-off assembly on Nov. 22, faculty members donated $10 to shoot three baskets. Mayor Kelly Yaede also participated.

The Turkey Shoot continued the following week during gym class, where students were given one minute to make as many baskets as possible. Those who made the most baskets were named on the morning announcements.

There was a suggested donation of $3, and students were asked to earn that money by doing extra chores at home.

Burke said students are encouraged to contribute to fundraising projects as much as possible, whether that be through contributing ideas or helping organize events.

“I want them to know how much we can help out the community and how easy it can be,” Burke said.

In addition to the soup drive, the school anticipates organizing a coat drive this winter.